Dubai: Free electric pedal-assisted bike rides, empty toothpaste tube exchange for World Environment Day

From free rides on sustainable modes of transport to exchanging used tubes of toothpaste for brand new ones to tree plantation drives, UAE residents and companies have rolled out a slew of activities to celebrate World Environment Day.

Celebrated on June 5, the theme for World Environment Day is ‘Only one Earth’. Spearheaded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the day is celebrated to encourage people to act and protect the environment.

Emirates Airlines highlights sustainability initiatives

In-flight plastic straws and stirrers were replaced with responsibly sourced paper and wooden alternatives. Emirates’ sustainable blankets in Economy Class are made from 28 recycled plastic bottles each.

By the end of this year, Emirates will have saved 150 million single-use plastic items from landfill from these initiatives, said the company in a press statement. In-flight complimentary toy bags, baby amenity kits and plush toys are also made from recycled plastic bottles, it said Friday.

Furthermore, the Economy Class paper menus were replaced in April 2020 with digital menus, saving 44 tonnes of paper per month reducing paper consumption and the move also supports Emirates’ overall efforts to remove excess weight and to save fuel and emissions. Instead, passengers view the menu on their phone via the on board WiFi.

Toothpaste tube exchange and tree plantation

Joining hands with the Emirates Environmental Group, a toothpaste brand is promoting the ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ culture by rewarding consumers with new toothpastes in lieu of used and empty toothpaste tubes and cartons.

Consumers who are submitting the tubes and cartons will then get a chance to participate in a plantation drive organised by Dabur Herb’l Toothpaste, whereby they will plant a tree in their name to ensure green footprint and active participation that will make a difference.

People can visit the Emirates Environmental Group at Jumeirah 1, Villa No. 117A, JMR 68 - Dubai from June 5 to 15 to contribute to this green campaign and be a part of the plantation drive from June 20-25.

Use sustainable means of transport

TIER Mobility, a micro-mobility provider, is rolling out special offers on World Environment Day. New riders can use the code ‘TIERDXB,’ which will provide one free ride and for riders that would like to explore the city for the day, the ‘Go All Day’ pass for Dh45 can be purchased, which includes unlimited rides for 24 hours.

Since its launch in Dubai under RTA’s pilot phase in October 2020, TIER e-scooters and e-bikes have travelled more than 1.3 million kilometres and have helped save more than 18,500 kg of carbon dioxide.

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